Fractured Families (The Pearl of Wisdom Saga Book 2)

by Jason Paul Rice

  Jon turned away from the woman. “You don’t recognize your own wife?” the lady asked as she began to cry. He turned back toward the woman, stood up and walked up to her. He reached out, expecting to feel nothing again, but welcoming, warm flesh met his fingertips as they tingled. Jon immediately began bawling, dropped to his knees and hugged his wife’s legs. He didn’t know what to do, but he muttered through the emotion with his head in his wife’s thighs, “I thought…they said…” Camelle rubbed his hair and said, “It wasn’t me. They misidentified a woman who looked like me, but those cruel men did cut a baby from an innocent woman. I escaped to Berchfield and House Ralleye sent Sir Embrose to escort me back to Riverfront. And here we are.”

  He stood up, kissed his wife’s soft lips and looked down. Completely lost in the moment, Jon realized Camelle held a healthy-looking baby in the white linens. “Is this…?”

  “Yes,” she exclaimed with joy. Jon grabbed his baby, kissed the soft head and pressed the child to his heart. “Boy?” Jon asked. “Yes.”

  “What did you name him?” Jon wanted to know as he pulled his wife close and nestled the baby between his parents. “At the time, everyone thought you were dead so I named him Jon,” Camelle answered. Tears streaked down both proud parents’ faces.

  Sir Embrose cleared his throat and spoke, “I will be off now, Duchess Camelle, Duke Colbert.” The three Colberts went over to Sir Embrose. Jon gave the baby to Camelle and spoke to the knight, “Anything you wish, only make mention of it and the service shall be done. Anything, good sir.” The honorable knight said, “All I need is for my family to be safe. Some bastard has usurped Waters Edge and I fear for their welfare.”

  Jon shook the man’s hand and patted him lightly on the bearded cheek before looking him in the eye and saying, “We will provide gold to buy back any ransomed members of your family if there is need. We can send soldiers to help defend your house if necessary. Send word immediately and the help will be there. I am forever indebted to you and your house for this noble act. Your family will always have a place of honor in Riverfront and all of Mattingly. Safe travels.” “That is a kind offering Duke and Duchess Colbert. And the baby lord, as well,” Sir Embrose said as he bowed deeply.

  “Are you certain you don’t want a meal and comfortable lodging before you leave again? Our castle is only down that cobbled road,” Camelle pointed. “I must get back to my family. I hope to see a happy reunion similar to this one. Until another day,” he bowed again. Sir Embrose Ralleye jumped back into the canoe and paddled away.

  Jon turned to Camelle, “I still cannot believe it’s actually you, my sweet dove.” “And I thought you had to be a ghost until I heard Jasper bark. I didn’t know if I could trust my eyes. Every single person said you had died on the Royal Road, many claiming to have seen it firsthand. They said they had seen a knight of the Kings Guard throw your dead body over his horse to take to the King. Sir Embrose and I didn’t talk to many people on our voyage so this is truly a shock,” his wife said.

  Jon looked at his boy and Camelle with a huge smile, but could barely handle the emotions. This far outweighed being released from the dungeon. The emptiness of his heart began to fill with love again. Jon spoke, “I thought I had seen you in the dining room wearing your wedding dress, just this morn.” “Remember this one from the wedding?” Camelle whispered and held Jon’s arm. She prompted her husband to dance with her as their son rested gently between two renewed hearts. Camelle looked over Jon’s shoulder and into the water before singing in her lovely voice.

  “We shall dance as the river flows,

  Jump right in or test with toes,

  I hold my lady and won’t let go,

  Every moment now goes slow,

  I see your lips and yearn for both,

  Our loves in bloom, await the growth,

  We shall dance and watch the tide,

  By the side—the lovely riverside,” she slowly and soothingly finished.

  Jon’s ears buzzed with excitement on hearing the voice of his angel. “I love you,” he exclaimed and his wife pledged back, “And I you.” The trio slowly danced around the river bank on the moist ground. Jon’s better half had been reattached but he still waited for the rug to be pulled out from under his feet. He thought this might be some sort of cruel dream. The excited Jasper kept jumping up on Camelle and Jon, trying to get a look at the newest member of the family. Camelle asked, “How did you…escape?”

  “Well, I obviously didn’t die on the Royal Road. The Fox Chapel knights took me back to let King Ali-Stanley kill me himself. He was too much of a coward to commit the act. I can still hear him screeching on the Royal Road, ‘kill them all, even the girl’ as he stood behind one hundred guards. They threw me in the dungeon to rot until Ali-Stanley died. His son, Ali-Ster, released me, but it appears he has been killed by his uncle who now sits the throne,” Jon stated.

  “Quite a shame considering the stories we heard on the trip down. We didn’t talk to many people but we eavesdropped on conversations every chance we had. The Noble King created a strong following in his short stint as king. The citizens were devastated when news of the hunting accident made its rounds. We heard women swearing to name their next-born sons, Ali-Ster. They were calling him the King of the People,” Camelle said “Now it looks like we have a paler reincarnate of Ali-Stanley,” Jon stated.

  Camelle spoke, “Let’s forget about the Wamhoffs and get back to our castle. This little one has had a long day already and could use a nap.” On the way back, they talked about their missing children. Jon noticed Camelle’s look of happiness fade to worry as they talked about the kids. He didn’t mention Ruxin, but their son had a small welcome party waiting outside the castle. Word had already made it back before Jon, Camelle, Jasper and baby Jon could arrive. The dog ran around in circles, shaking his tail like a weapon. He had already whipped Jon’s legs a few times, but the Duke was just as excited as his dog.

  Everybody came up and hugged Camelle and baby Jon. Numerous waterfalls of tears opened among the group and this gave everyone hope that the rest of the family would one day come back home to Riverfront. Jon started to believe his wife and queen needed a throne to sit on to keep her safest.

  A few hours later, Jon and Camelle lay in bed after the greatest sex Jon had ever experienced. The two lay on their sides, eyes locked, caressing each other, as Camelle spoke softly, “I cannot wait to really talk to Ruxin’s bride. She will be at family supper tonight, so I will get my chance.” Jon simply said, “She’s a fine girl.”

  “I am so proud of how Ruxin acted in your stead. He looks like me and acts like his father, how lucky for him,” Camelle said, rubbing Jon’s goatee. “He has made us all proud, but every time I look at him, I can’t help but see Krys and Ryno,” Jon got a lump in his throat as he spoke.

  “All the boys have the same look. I keep thinking about what I could have done to save our children. I should have never left Riverfront but after the murder attempt, I didn’t think we were safe here. Why couldn’t I see this back then?” she started crying.

  “Stop that,” Jon said and put his finger over her lips. “You cannot second-guess yourself. Everything that has occurred is my fault. I am the patriarch, the paterfamilias and I am to blame for it all. I put our family at risk. I took our daughter up that dusty road and put her life in danger, in turn putting everyone’s lives in jeopardy. I would gladly exchange my old bones for you to have the kids back if only the Gods would accept.”

  “But I was the one who sent Riceros and Brehan away. I know they aren’t our true sons but what kind of a mother makes that decision?” Camelle sobbed. “A great mother. You made the best choice you could. We need to stop doing this. The kingdom is ruthless and we found out first hand that even we aren’t exempt. We will be certain to return the favor. I swore to King Ali-Ster I would never move on the Capitol while he was King and I planned to honor that. Now this new King demands I come and pledge fealty in person. He has already killed h
is brother and nephews and now wants to finish off his biggest family rival. He would have little issue killing every one of us. We will never be truly safe with a mad man ruling the realm,” Jon stated.

  “I don’t like these words of aggression. These are dark words of war. Our family has suffered enough. We are safe here in Mattingly,” she said. “We will never be safe until we make the rules. The Wamhoffs will always find some way to make us suffer,” Jon argued. “That is even more dangerous. We may as well paint a target on our backs and burn the golden bull banners. Power breeds jealousy that breeds jealous aggression right back toward those in power,” Camelle retorted.

  “I am inclined to agree with you, but in this case look at how we have ruled Mattingly. During our entire rule we have had one rebellion that we crushed in under an hour. Once we take the throne, we can rule the entire realm like Mattingly. This region was rife with the same problems as the realm until our family took rule and we showed that everyone can prosper with hard work, unity and knowledge.” Camelle rolled onto her back, “I wish I could share your enthusiasm, but war means death. Our deaths, and those of the enemy. In any case, many men will die an early death. I almost lost you once, my heart cannot take that pain again. One stray arrow of purple fire, and I am a widow all over again.”

  “I shan’t do anything foolish. This will be assessed like the Fritz rebellion for possible risk before rushing up the road. We will use the siege weapons and stay out of arrow range. We also have to think about who is already marching on the Capitol. Someone much worse than the albino could take rule if we don’t act quickly. This King knows nothing of battle and most of his forces have fled the Capitol. Apparently, people become nervous when a man will coldly kill his own brother,” Jon calmly stated.

  “Just as Ordrid could do to you someday. You know he craves power just as much as King Tersen,” Camelle warned. “I think you will be surprised with my brother. He has been different since my return. I’ve seen a look in him that I have never seen before, the look of humility. His priorities have changed from having power to protecting a family. He witnessed the position he craved tear an entire family apart and I think he understands now that power doesn’t mean anything without the ones you love,” Jon said.

  “Well, I’ll believe that when I see it. I cannot lose anymore sons. Ruxin has a wife to care for now and we both know he won’t stay out of the battle. Think about his new family before making a final decision,” she pleaded. “We will be prepared this time. Don’t you want to be queen?” he asked.

  “I’ve never wanted to be a queen. I, much like your brother now, only want to have my family together. A simple wish, no crown,” she uttered.

  Jon and Camelle had rarely argued in the past. The disagreements were always about ruling the region. Camelle had a softer heart and Jon showed compassion but also ruled with an iron fist against those who broke the laws. The reunited couple went back and forth for a while until Jon forced Camelle’s smooth legs up and made passionate love to his wife. This session trumped the earlier experience as Jon used all the anger from their argument to fan the flames of passion.

  Jon kissed her softly, “My sweet dove.” They rolled onto their sides again and blissfully stared at each other in silence. Jon held onto his lover and promised to never let go again. Jon fell fast asleep.

  Jon awakened in near dark and rushed to the dying fire. He stoked the embers and lit a few candles. He noticed a body outline of sweat on his side of the bed as Camelle lightly snored. Jon was having his recurring dream again. Jon had gone to get his mother for supper two days after his father’s death, to find Heraldine Colbert unresponsive and with a nosebleed. His mother held seven red roses in her left hand and Jon could still smell the exact fragrance of the flowers to this day. The naïve and distraught son had thought the roses were poisoned and his mother had sniffed them. His mother had been unable to deal with losing her husband and taken a mortal dose of arsenic. Jon had run for Count Sproul for help but even at only eleven he knew she was dead. She was the first dead body of a loved one he had ever seen and the traumatic event seemed to be etched into his mind. It somehow overshadowed all the fond memories Jon had of his parents. His uncle Jasine had raised Jon after the tragedy of his parents’ deaths and had done a fine job. Jon only had these dreams when Camelle slept next to him. His mother was still alive in the dreams but she always died after Jon frantically searched the castle and found her. He often held her in his arms as she let out her last breath. This kind of nightmare hadn’t happened in a long time. Jon remembered the stories his mother had read to him when he was a child and the first hunt he went on with his father at seven. Jon smiled and tried to forget about the nightmare.

  THE YOUNG HOPE

  Riceros had spent the past week healing Dioneer with his woven corn wraps and wandering around the Maze. Riceros had barely slept lately with the wild sounds becoming even louder as they aimlessly moved toward the center of the puzzle. Riceros knew that if the giant could attack in the dark of night, the Brohan bull would probably do the same. The sun went down again, and Riceros wondered how long they would be trapped inside this Maze. He had already become tired of eating only raw corn to survive. Riceros stayed awake another night but the third guard of the Maze never came around. They looked for the key again as Dioneer limped behind Riceros.

  He could tell the giant was still in pain by the look on his face and the way he struggled to walk. The pair came upon the entrance to the Maze. Riceros couldn’t tell Dioneer, but this was actually good. He knew how to get to the key from the entrance and this made matters much easier. Near sundown, they got to the center of the Maze and the sun blazed down perfectly. A silver key shone and glittered in the dim area. The large key looked the same as the first, but with a solid round bow instead of square. There was unknown writing on this key as well. Dioneer put the silver key into his hip pouch with the golden one, but now they had to wait until morning to continue on their way.

  Navigating the Maze in daylight was extremely difficult but it became impossible at night even with a full moon and shining stars. The exhausted boy fell asleep sitting up against the matted stalks. He woke up feeling restricted.

  Riceros’ hands and feet were bound together by thick rope. He looked up and saw a bull’s head, mouth dripping with blood. Riceros hoped it wasn’t Dioneer’s blood. The head merged into the body of a sculpted, strong man in a white loincloth. The half-beast’s black horns reached seven feet high and were the biggest bull horns he had ever seen. The Brohan bull spoke, “You thought once you had the key, the quest was over. You were right, it is over for you.” He talked in a strange, growling tone. The bull pulled Riceros to his spot of liking. The bull paced away before turning back toward Riceros. He charged at full speed. Even with the body of a man, he could accelerate to the speed of a fast bull. As he closed in on the boy, the bull lowered his horns and increased the speed. At the last moment, the Brohan bull leapt into the air, horns reaching to the tops of the uneven stalks. He slowly sauntered back to Riceros and said, “This will do quite fine to kill your big friend. The dog and giant can be defeated through brute strength, but only quickness and intelligence will work on me. A Cyclops is neither quick nor intelligent. Then I will come eat you after I eat the entire giant. Don’t feel awful, no one has ever completed the course, and you will have come the closest. Killing two guards is quite an accomplishment, but no boy is going to take the key.” The Brohan bull disappeared, and Riceros waited alone. The bull ironically gagged Riceros with a cloth to keep him quiet.

  This dire situation made the young boy think he might soon join his fallen family in the forever life. Riceros reminisced about the happy times spent at the swimming hole in Riverfront. The entire family including Brehan would enjoy a nice relaxed day by the Royal River. Camelle would sing and Jon would tell stories to the children. They were some of Riceros’ fondest memories of the Colberts. He tried to focus on the situation at hand. The rope was too tight for Riceros to wiggle
his tiny wrists free. He couldn’t find a compromised spot to exploit and thought about another solution. “There you are,” Dioneer’s voice rang out.

  The hobbling giant labored over to Riceros. The boy feverishly shook his head to warn the giant and then futilely nodded his head, realizing the former wouldn’t work. Riceros only looked like a scared little boy, acting erratic. His friend leaned down and started to untie him. Riceros could see the Brohan bull behind Dioneer and at the end of the straightaway. The bull kicked dirt back with his right foot and took off, faster than an arrow. With his amazing speed, he closed in quickly. Dioneer stood and turned just as the mighty bullman leapt in the air, horns lowered. The sharp black objects headed straight for the giant’s heart, but Dioneer reacted with great quickness to catch the horns in midair and with one smooth motion he twisted them, breaking the Brohan bull’s neck. Muffled moans of pain followed the snapping sound, but only lasted several seconds until the beast fell still.

  As Dioneer untied the boy, Riceros noticed one of the bull’s horns had gored the left hand of the giant, leaving a gaping hole. Dioneer untied the boy and Riceros immediately cared for his friend’s wounds. They followed the healing process with another meal of raw corn. Riceros ate the kernels off the cob, but Dioneer ate the entire vegetable, husk and all. Riceros had become extremely tired of the same meal. He forced it down to survive and went back to addressing Dioneer’s pain even as he fought through his own.